Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial

  • MarlonnGrando

    I wish they would do more interactive stuff with the community like get involved in the constructive forum thread discussions, or some Q&A sessions.

    Would also help if they updated Known Issues more often, it's been basically two things since launch, items should be moving from known issues to fixed issues, otherwise we don't know if they are even aware of some bugs, I have no idea if snakes biting through walls will ever be addressed. It could even be separated into categories such as bugs/quality of life.

    After the technical problems with the last two patches, and for me the changes that they are choosing to implement (where did they get the idea that skeleton cannon accuracy needed to be nerfed? or who wanted to hand supplies to crew mates?) that I've never seen on these forums at least are at least cause for some concern.

    Q&A would be nice just to get some indication either way yes or no as to whether or not they are going to do or not do certain things.

  • ElectricKnights
    Legend
    Insider

    Their communication with us, through videos, goes back a long time, and the runtime of them varies greatly.
    The first two, post-launch, were hastily done, unproduced, communications. That was awesome of them to do, but I don't think anyone should expect that as the norm. They've gone back toward what they did prior. And the length, and content, of the videos are going to match the amount of things they can currently share with the public.

    I don't see this is as troubling or anything approaching a problem.

    The problem, really, is the disaster they had in trying to release the latest update(s). That was a major setback for them (just imagine the chaos, work, frustration, AND disappointment on THEIR side while trying to move forward and deliver the big update!).

    The only things I'd be concerned about, as far as videos and communication, is that they produce and deliver some great promotional material and videos for the Hungering Deep.

    I have no doubt that they'll be sharing more fun, interesting stuff with us as time goes by.

  • erikinthebakery
    Captain
    Founder

    @williamherschel said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    @erikinthebakery In general, I appreciated the whiteboard style format because it just seemed more transparent to me. E.g. "Here are some of our biggest issues, here are those plans to fix those issues." In the studio style format (that the recent videos have utilized), it sort of allows them to simply address the issues that they want to, and ignore the issues that they don't. It just seems more PR oriented, than the more organic videos that utilized the older format.

    Again, different situations require different communication. You know as well as I do that out of all of the videos Rare has posted on SoT, those two were the only "whiteboard" videos of the lot. Because with what was going in at the time in the game (large portions of paying customers being unable to access the servers) required a great deal of transparency.
    That is not the situation we are in now. Now, other that the Allmondbeard issues last week, the status quo of "impatient players and/or people following the game complaining about lack of content" has returned, allowing better the community team at Rare to move away from the emergency "we are so tired we can't see straight" videos to their normal "we are taking some care to make nice videos" format.

    If you prefer watching exhausted senior game studio execs in front of a whiteboard, that's your thing. I would not expect them to return to that format any time soon (because, honestly, it would be very silly for them to do that). Variations in the length of videos is normal.

    Really, everyone, can we move along to more pressing "issues" like whether we should call the boom-booms or funpowder barrels?

  • Lady Aijou
    Commander
    Insider
    Boatswain

    @williamherschel Hey William! I just wanted to drop in and let you know that we are very much reading, listening, and taking feedback from the forums, as well as across the community. While we can't engage with every thread, we do read every single one, and relay information to the development team. It may feel like we are absent, but it's more than a full time job, and one that we take very seriously! :)

  • WilliamHerschel
    Castaway
    Insider
    Founder

    @erikinthebakery

    It was a starting point. I merely wanted to highlight the fact that the first two post-launch videos were a different format and more substantial. Part of the reason SoT was cool, was because the level of transparency (especially from a first party developer) was basically unheard of. It was also essentially the first true alpha that a Microsoft first party studio has ever run. In my view, this level of transparency seems to be regressing into the typical PR marketing push that become the norm on the Xbox One platform. This makes me doubt how serious Microsoft is about this game "as service."

    @MarlonnGrando I agree 100% regarding the Known Issues. They're are certainly more known issues than what is contained in those updates. Do I want to see every single unresolved ticket? No, probably not. But there seems to be some glaring holes in that list.

  • CRUSADER ZORRO
    Captain
    Insider
    Founder

    @personalc0ffee said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    It's not white knighting. It is the reality of the situation. They are busy.

    I think it’s funny you keep saying they are busy as if you are working in their studio. I guess since you work for them you can give us an update on how the new hungering deep is coming along? L**o

  • A Cranky Eskimo
    Master
    Insider
    Founder

    @drunkpunk138 said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    @a-cranky-eskimo said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    Apparently my posts are “borderline absurdity”. Seems like a personal issue with me more than reality. Typical of this forum, as he didn’t address any of my points, these people rarely do.

    Must have struck a nerve, if you were so easily able to identify yourself as that "borderline absurd" poster.

    Lol... yeah that’s what happened. You guys are pathetic yes men. Id rather be borderline absurd any day.

  • FishSt1ck
    Master
    Insider
    Boatswain
    Founder

    @williamherschel
    It's only logical that when the game had problems at the start they wanted to get a message out as fast as possible, letting the community know what they're doing about it. I disagree that those were better though, yes they're longer but only because it was more improvised and unedited but not because they had more information.

    These videos are mostly to show major features added last patch and address bugs or features being worked on by the teams that will probably come in upcoming patch. I think with the amount of server issues the last patch they were mostly in damage mitigation mode, since all the content was already shown and they weren't sure when the problems would be fixed.

    I do think we've been spoiled though, when you look at most other games you'll have to do with just the releasenotes. Sure they can make the videos longer but I prefer that they keep it to the point. The vagueness you describe is something that's unavoidable I think, they want to give people an idea what they're working on but they can't make any promises as they only have a week to implement it. Just see the panic when they shared they MIGHT release the private crews next patch and then got it all blown back in their faces.

    I think that after the hungering deep they'll probably have more to share each week with the newly added weekly events. I do really hope Rare will continue sharing these kinds of videos and the behind the scenes or other videos are also very welcome.

  • WilliamHerschel
    Castaway
    Insider
    Founder

    @personalc0ffee

    In the end, I think we can both agree that SoT is a great game, and that we both merely want it to do well.

  • MarlonnGrando

    @williamherschel

    They could create separate lists, one for what is slated to be worked on or about to be worked on in the current patch or next keep those in the release notes and another list for all the issues if people want to get into the nitty gritty

  • Evasive Envy

    @personalc0ffee said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    @williamherschel said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    @OHeck

    I am still one of the foolish/brave to still come here and regularly post and I get that people hate me but w/e.

    I don't hate you! I actually look forward to reading your posts because you consistently display maturity and tend to raise really valid points.

    Look, we all have our bad moments but I honestly believe you are an asset to the Sea of Thieves community!

  • Saglant777
    Captain
    Founder

    My observation made to another post after the 1.07 drop and before the New Boy got trapped in the video headlights. Hope it lifts the mood of the thread it is only a leg pull.

    Picture the scene .......
    Joe Neate arrives at the Rare HQ after two hours kip, the 1.07 patch didn't go well, but Joe the Exec Producer is back to face the shanty. His twitch, which was spasmodic in some of his earlier video debuts is now like the glitch you get as a pirate when ascending the stairs of the Galleon. The anti-depressants prescribed on launch day just don't seem to work anymore, but hey he knows he can rely on his teammates to provide moral support and join him for the apology video. Craig was with him at that good old white-board he'll rally the troops and stand by his shoulder.

    Hmmn the reception area seems very quiet, Oh here comes Emma Bridle she will give the lowdown on how things have progressed since my nap. ' Emma Emma where you going?'
    ' What you say? Kato needs a walk! That's your handbag under your arm not a dog.'

    The door to the fire exit closes with a bang Emma has left, but 'Gorgeous' has appeared from below the reception desk saying she was just picking up dropped paper clips. Gorgeous isn't her name but she hides her name lanyard in her cleavage and Joe doesn't want to stare for too long.
    'Hey there is Mike Chapman or Jon Mcfarlane about the building?'

    ' I'm sorry Mr Neate they both left shortly after you went for your deserved rest break. The black tyre marks at the car park barrier exit are the only reminder of them actually being here at all.'

    'Well Craig's here isn't he'

    'I hate to tell you this Mr Neate, Mr Duncan had a taxi pick him up about half an hour ago, he was the worse for drink and I heard him say to the driver Heathrow and step on it lad.'
    'However he did leave note for you, here it is'

    Note :-
    Joe

    Sorry I had to dash Silican valley calls, it's tough being Head of Studio, but hey you know that. We still have a few probs following yesterdays patch, but your good at fielding these issues. The White-board is in video studio 5, nowt on it atm but you can put down a few headers and wing it mate. Remember 'The Teams' behind you, but afraid you will have to sail this sloop alone the Private Crew thing is messed up as well.

    Craig

    PS Try and not twitch on camera Cya

  • cooliocam
    Legend
    Insider
    Founder

    You know when you hear little kids say "I own that movie", as if they were on set during filming? The forums pretty much amount to that sentiment lately. Just because you own (a copy) of a product does not mean you have any real stake in its creation or what it stands for. As humans though, we pick teams and develop emotional attachments to products that we feel we identify with. That being said, the emotional attachment is purposely instilled in us for one reason and one reason only. Money. Money. Money. Money. For those of you that cannot handle the smallest amount of criticism toward the game, please look the other way. Rare genuinely does not care if you defend them or offend them, they are making a game, a product. Did you buy it? mission accomplished.

  • Sneakler
    Captain
    Insider
    Founder

    I feel like sometimes people see something when there is nothing to be seen. To suggest that there is some sort of trend or information to be drawn from the length of the weekly videos is a reach for me.

    What if they released one a week from now that was 7 minutes long, then the week after 4:30, then the week after 8:05. They talk about the latest and greatest and talk about some upcoming features.

    There could be a video that is 4 minutes long with more actual "information" then a video that is 7 minutes long technically.

    Not defending, not being a fanboy, just being a fair person.

  • Vaca Hombre
    Champion
    Boatswain
    Founder

    The universe has stopped expanding and is now contracting. 'Time' is getting shorter as the universe heads towards the 'Big Crunch'.

    The videos aren't shorter, it's just another sign of the rapidly impending collapse of reality.

  • A Cranky Eskimo
    Master
    Insider
    Founder

    @sneakler said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    I feel like sometimes people see something when there is nothing to be seen. To suggest that there is some sort of trend or information to be drawn from the length of the weekly videos is a reach for me.

    What if they released one a week from now that was 7 minutes long, then the week after 4:30, then the week after 8:05. They talk about the latest and greatest and talk about some upcoming features.

    There could be a video that is 4 minutes long with more actual "information" then a video that is 7 minutes long technically.

    Not defending, not being a fanboy, just being a fair person.

    I think you are right about it not meaning much especially just based on the last videos, my thing about this is that the video content was atleast semi reliable content production from the SoT team. I feel like it gave the actual coding developers the pressure they clearly need to get content created. This is something we need more now than ever, the flip side is that they could just be more focused on said content and plan to release more videos after the hungering deep is released.

  • Virtutis6590
    Seafarer

    @knightx13 said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    We Deckhands are still here. Just figuring things out still and how best to serve the community and Rare. We were never inactive, we lurked (a lot), just unfortunately doing a lot of back-end duties which pulled our focus and ability to properly engage. Something I know I am trying to change, as noted.

    There are typically planned maintenances/patches every Tuesday, though depending on what might be happening they could get withheld or moved to a different date (or multiple in a week). And while I think Rare plans to have some form of content, or at least quality of life improvements, with these updates, we have already seen at least one week where this was strictly a server update, and last week where we saw multiple due to an issue that arose. But you may want to keep an eye out for tomorrow's patch notes. ;)

    As someone who regularly plays and enjoys the game regardless of where improvements can be made (ie I am not attempting to complain but offer feedback), it seems a little bizarre that I have to follow multiple social media accounts, which usually i dnon't use, to get updates on the status of issues or problems etc, or finding competitions or general feedback which don't ever seem to appear here on the forums, or in the news section.

    A good case in point was that the removal of the private crews due to issues with the last patch was announced on Discord, but the official patch notes and associated thread were never updated. There was no news post or update on the forums for hours afterwards. I was coming on the forums and seeing constant posts of "where are these features in the patch notes?" and "is the patch available?" and the only response was "oh they announced this on Twitter" or "they posted this on Reddit".

    The communication on issues is not non-existant, it is just hard to find and changes enough between platforms that on our end, we usually have to piece together what is happening and make guesses.

    You have an official website, forum and news section on dedicated to the game. If you need to post an update that concerns and affects everyone, the first place to put it is in the launcher text box in the game and the second is on your dedicated website. Your last place for putting updates, patch notes and related communications should be the third party services such as Discord.

    On a personal note, I am greatly missing the removal of the random spawns on beaches etc and am not entirely convinced it does not affect shipwrecks as I am now up to my 5th shipwreck with no loot in the ship (and these cannot all be from other people taking it unless they are up for hours empty). The last weeks update where it was removed suggested an update last Thursday - but we never had one. The update today talking about the "Take This" feature being re-enabled in todays patch also did not mention this removal.

    The islands are significantly more dead than they usually are and a lot of the fun exploring is missing. As someone who never thought handing an item to another person to be interesting or an issue - and after announcing it still don't see where it would be helpful - would it not make a bit more sense restoring what was removed due to issues before you start adding more features into the game?

  • Lucid Stew
    Founder

    @personalc0ffee said in Rare's Youtube Developer Updates Continue to Get Shorter and Less Substantial:

    It's not white knighting. It is the reality of the situation. They are busy.

    Dude, it's not like the executive producer and the media team are in the trenches crunching code and prototyping art. It's 10-20 minutes out of Joe Neate's day and it is pretty much the reason for the media team's existence.

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